Vallecito
Key Takeaway
Vallecito is classified as high hazard in Colorado. It was completed in 1940 and is 86 years old. Its primary use is fish and wildlife pond. High hazard means loss of life is likely if the dam fails — it does not indicate the dam's current condition. Learn more.
Physical Details
| Dam Height | 162 ft (taller than 98.1% in CO) |
| Dam Length | 4,010 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 136.2K acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 129.7K acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 2,803 acres |
| Drainage Area | 255 sq mi |
| Year Completed | 1940 (86 years old) |
| NID ID | CO01695 |
Safety Information
Loss of human life is likely if the dam fails.
Hazard potential describes downstream consequences of failure, not the dam's current condition. What does this mean?
Ownership
RECLAMATION
Federal Government
Nearby Dams
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Vallecito?
Vallecito is classified as High Hazard. Loss of human life is likely if the dam fails. This classification refers to the potential downstream consequences of a failure, not the dam's current structural condition.
Who owns and operates Vallecito?
Vallecito is owned by RECLAMATION (Federal Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Vallecito built?
Vallecito was completed in 1940, making it 86 years old. Many U.S. dams were built between the 1930s and 1970s during a period of major infrastructure investment.
What is the primary purpose of Vallecito?
Vallecito serves the following purposes: Fish And Wildlife Pond, Irrigation, Recreation, Hydroelectric. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.
How tall is Vallecito?
Vallecito has a dam height of 162 ft. Dam height is measured from the natural streambed at the downstream toe to the top of the dam, and may differ from the visible height.
When was Vallecito last inspected?
Vallecito was last inspected on September 29, 2020. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.